Discussing the initiative, a government spokesperson said: “Project Gigabit plays a key role in plans to kickstart economic growth, and break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
“Areas set to benefit from the new contracts include North and Southwest Wales, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Devon, Somerset, Essex, North East England and Worcestershire.”
Technology secretary, Peter Kyle, said: “We are determined to deliver the infrastructure this country needs to thrive, and I am thrilled to see so many homes and businesses in all areas of the country getting access to the fastest broadband speeds on the market through Project Gigabit.
“With today’s £289 million investment, we are not only boosting connectivity, but making it easier to access remote healthcare, online education, shopping online. work, learn, shop and stay in touch with loved ones online.”
According to the government, “dozens” of Project Gigabit contracts have now been signed, representing more than £2.2 billion of investment.
Openreach CEO Clive Selley, said: “Our new full fibre broadband network now reaches more than half of all properties in the UK, and we’re confident we can reach as many as 30 million premises by the end of the decade, assuming the right regulatory and investment conditions exist.
“This is a British infrastructure success story which experts say will boost productivity by £73 billion and bring a raft of social and environmental benefits for the country.”
